How and Why to Use External Preamps

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[@PeteJohnsMusic]

This is super valuable advice Joe. Understanding what preamps were and that I already had these in my interface took me literally years to get my head around. Wish o had this video back then!

[@honestnewsnet]

The difference between someone that is trying to actual help others is humility. Refreshing, Thanks Joe.

[@jeffmclowry]

Good stuff. Nice when you find someone that just passes out some good info, without all the BS. THANK YOU!

[@drumbeater0]

Damn if this isn't the most personable and informative channel I've come across regarding home recording...thanks for your efforts!

[@curtisleitko]

This video was very helpful. This is the best and most simple explanation I have found. Thanks

[@fernandoteacher]

I've been a follower for quite some time, Joe, and wanted to thank you for all this amazing stuff you always put out! cheers!!!!

[@marshallbrooks312]

You have an amazing voice Brother Joe! I enjoy your posts.

[@davidmeyer8756]

Hi Joe, Thanks for kicking my butt every morning with your emails. I sincerely appreciate it. I have the Eureka too! It's been sitting unused in my rack for years. I'll have to do something about that.

[@mediarg]

Great refresher. It is always good to go back to the basics to help understand how to move forward.

[@flamencoasmr471]

Excellent video. You explain things in a way that the viewer is persuaded to carry on watching you. Bravo. You just earned another subscriber.

[@adamnienke3633]

Your vids are awesome man, I usually speed up playback speed of advice videos but I keep yours at normal because they're actually entertaining.

[@bertalexander995]

goodness gracious. FINALLY!!! someone answered my simple question in a clear way. THANKS SO MUCH DUDE. for real man. best explanation on youtube period.

[@DarrenForbes]

This is an awesome description. I just realized I have been plugging my outboard mic pre into mic inputs instead of line inputs. The nice thing is I can select mic/line on my interface inputs. Cool cool. Thanks for this video.

[@Mikeloluanthony]

Thank you so much. Your videos are always very helpful! Good communication skills too.🔥

[@patrickcarroll1754]

Brilliant. Clear. Articulate. You’re a fine teacher, Joe. Thank you.

[@theofficialdjmiami8171]

Really enjoyed how you broke down the pros and cons and how you explained something technical in a not too technical way.

[@deaddoomed2380]

I've two of these Eureka preamps, it makes me happy to see someone else uses them too

[@adamoconnor5966]

I've been trying to understand pre amps for months, and I finally understand. Thank you

[@DRodMuzicman]

That was the best explanation of a preamp I could find thank you.!!

[@IsmaelAngelus]

You are my new hero, Joe! Thanks for this amazing class! 🤝🏼

[@richbaca]

Thank for the this. This cleared up a few questions I had. Got a new Focusrite IAS One to use with my Clarett, and now I am ready to go!

[@viy4616]

I know, 4 years later... But your video is gold. Especially for idiots like me who plugged an external preamp into the audio interface (mic/hi-z) input with an XLR and wondering how come it keeps clipping and sounding like, well, manure. My previous audio interface actually had a mic/line physical switch, yet this one (Steinberg UR44c) doesn't. It turns the pre-amps on the second it detects XLR by default. The TRS 1/4" trick may seem obvious to the rest of the world, but i literally have been fighting my new setup for weeks now. Merci beaucoup!

[@vinisasso]

Awesome video! This explained very well the mic/line input difference to me. Now I can explore the possibilities of a Behringer MIC100 Preamp I happen to have here without risking the mic inputs of my interface. Thank you so much!

[@beeisbad]

Bro!!! Not only do you explain your "How To" videos amazingly well.... but bro you can sing!! I just thougt you was an engineer! Good voice... and keep doing ya thing my brother. Thanks for the pre-amp tip.

[@HomeStudioCorner]

Thanks brother

[@ReverendGuyWallis]

great video. ive always wanted more info on this and some videos are hit or miss but this one explained everything i need. new sub here, cheers man!

[@MorisoniProductions]

Thanks. Simple and clear, just what's needed !

[@KwyatMan]

TL;DR: How to connect Ext. Preamp to Audio Interface Mic > pre-amp mic input. Pre-amp line level output > audio interface line input (w/ balanced cable). USB/Firewire (etc) > Laptop. Great video, thanks!

[@THETHINKINGMINDS]

Great explanation, and well-detailed. Thanks for posting it.

[@christiancanalita6487]

So helpful...thank you Joe! Love your song too!

[@sixfoursoul2538]

I just subscribed you have a very soothing and clear way of explaining things.

[@ipo79]

Perfect video. Well done mate!

[@Joesoden5]

This has totally helped me out! Now I fully understand..! Thanks so much. Really great video. 😊

[@rij2392]

Thanks man , i was over complicating things . This definately helped.

[@oldfox51]

Helpful info..love the song!

[@halseyballistic]

Outstanding explanation! I bought a few, inexpensive Presonus TubePre's and replaced the tubes with vintage 60s new old stocks. The w main TubePre's I use regularly are a GE grey plate(the one everyone raves about and over spends for but there are great deals if you look) and a Delco Black Plate D ring, my absolute favorite and definitely can tell how different this sounds over the subtle Grey plates and other brands. Also a couple of different Philips, Westinghouse and Tungsol. All were around $7 each off of eband sound great. A nice upgrade from the Presonus 2X2 audio box preamps! Each Tube Pre was around $25- $30 on eBay as well. I've been recording a lot with them and definitely add some nicer character and cranked all way adds some grit to gtrs, bass, vox.... Fun to experiment with the different tubes also!

[@dannylharper6889]

I love your videos. Thanks!

[@Nate28TV]

Great video Joe. Answered a lot of questions👍🏾

[@nicholasparis5281]

Good analogy with how guitar amps are like various flavors likewise to various preamps; when cranked up a bit they also give you the added warmth, saturation and can focus emphasis and add light onto different mics better to best qualities for more sound detail - but at that level is the danger zone input stage for digital artifacts & clipping (anything above -12-10db can start to sound more obviously digital and not pleasant like the analog counterpart)!

[@danielgfrost]

Thanks SO MUCH for this useful information!!! I learnt so much!!! Shout outs from Australia!

[@BreakHarpe]

Love your videos bro...I've been watching when I was doing research on different things but I just subscribed

[@Wasteland_FX]

Thank you very much, this was very well explained :). I guess i'll start practicing recording my guitar on my regular audio interface first before buying an external pre-amp. I'll maybe buy one in the future :)

[@steverosbotham6403]

Incredibly timely video. That’s all I’m saying, you can fill in the gaps!

[@lentavakomppi]

Thank you. Really helped me when thinking how to upgrade my drumsound. Do not have to buy everything new. Great video.

[@gnmorales1]

first video I seen from you and im an instant subscriber.... I love how you translate the information to the viewer about everything #salute

[@HomeStudioCorner]

Welcome aboard. 😊👍

[@OUTTATIMEMTL]

Great video Joe, thank you, Love your shirt!!

[@YOMO617]

Thank you so much!! That was extremely helpful!!!

[@gilhockman2957]

Great info man. Thanks so much!

[@thenikkog2117]

Hey Joe it's a year later and there's tons of new folks on the scene. You should definitely do an updated version of this video.. The whole input/output mistake made it seem like you were telling the viewers to actually use the output plugins and made the video kind of confusing because we still had to search for another video that didn't have that mistake. As somebody who clearly knows what he's talking about you should definitely have a video where you clearly guide folks to the correct input/output components. :) Cheers!

[@harrymindgameTV]

Great video. Thanks for that. Very clear.

[@MrTL99]

WOW! Great video with a great explanation! Thank you!

[@oskie66skye]

Thanks A Lot,Mr Gilder....God Bless

[@KuasiBeat]

Thank you so much for this video !

[@pmAdministrator]

Cant get that song out of my head now. Thanks, dood...

[@leekirschman6256]

Great video, appreciate the detail

[@ronaldyoung8783]

hi joe thanks for the videos im a home recording guy mostly make tracks for church from ky so hey neighbor thanks again keep those vids coming

[@OdinOfficialEmcee]

Another reason to get external preamps is if you want to add compression, EQ, or other signal processing before audio is recorded as you can't use on board stock audio interface preamps in that scenario

[@GJames021]

Thanks !

[@OdinOfficialEmcee]

@@GJames021 no problem!

[@Kilzu1]

Depending on what you are using. If you are using digital mixer for recording vocals and audio interface for recording instruments (or vice versa), then you don't need external pre-amps with compression etc. I would say biggest advantage for external pre-amps is that most of them are portable, some of them have inserts or send and return channels and you won't be needing cloudlifter for dynamic mics like shure sm7b (unless you want to be able to mute your mic by shutting down the phantom power). Compression, eq and noise gate are nice things for live streaming or events, but if you record your tracks, you can always add them on your DAW (which you get pretty much for free, if you just happen to purchase one of those brands, which offer them for free), also if you purchase digital mixer, well those things have those allready. Downside for those is price. something like DBX 286s costs around 155€ and has only 1 XLR and TRS input, 1 insert and 1 TRS output with compressor, de-esser, LF and HF enhancer and noise gate (cheapest mic pre-amp with same functions I know). If you need to record drums (which requires 7-8 microphones), obviously something like a digital mixer would be more cheaper.

[@TheDocGrey]

Thanks, cleared up a load of questions I had.

[@crimepayz]

Awesome video brother !!! 💯💯💯💯💯

[@marshall881]

Ahh the old Audiobox 44vsl. Brings back such fond memories

[@OrangutanTradeSalesmen]

Great info Joe! I'm ready for a quality pre.

[@glennmathisen2537]

Very helpful. Thank you!

[@HushOnDaBeat]

I appreciate this info. have been battling with the need to buy one or not.

[@etcomedy8718]

Thank you so much, excellent sound quality in vid too. Awesome song. Link?

[@marcelohorsth]

Great lesson Joe! Thanks!

[@carlitox2121]

You are a gift. Thank you!

[@musicfirstproduction-antho7807]

Thanks Joe very helpful!

[@ThomasHolmen]

Dear Joe, Thomas here -a danish pro drummer and Presonus artist -first of all I will tell you, that I really enjoy the video´s from you and Gregor. In the process of trying to figure out how to expand and get more inputs to my quite simple recording setup, I have seen some different tutorials here on KZbin, and to be quite honest...to much talk about complicated and expensive outboard gear and ADAT connections and so on...and then I find this video -- the moment where you show how to connect the 44VSL to your Eureka channelstrip interface, and you say : "It´s very easy...just do like this" and then you put them together -man, I was laughing and suddenly it strikes me, that there a no humor normally in these videos on the web, where people talks about interfaces, how to...and how to...etc etc. Damn Joe, this laugh was what I needed - and right now it´s a cold snowy winterday in Copenhagen and I´m sitting with my coffee and try to find out how to get more channels and what to connect to my Presonus Firepod for the cost of no money because of Covid19 ( I´m normally a live drummer playing live, touring ...) and watch this and a good laugh was required. Thanks man - damn it was fun. More of that. All the best

[@kksstudios]

Quality video many thanks.

[@tabernaculodegraciayrestau2306]

Perfect like black and white GOD bless you thank you for the explanation 👍

[@TravellingCloud]

Thank you, that makes my decision clearer.

[@KtBlack-vv2fz]

Thanks for the tips really needed. Didn't want to waste my money, I appreciate you.

[@corpeningd]

Informative video. Great job 👍 BTW, nice voice.

[@Nicestik]

Great video! thanks.

[@JohnHenrySoto]

Clear explanations!! Thank you!!!

[@MrBeblis]

Do you have a video showing how to use outboard gear with the studio live? Keep up the great videos

[@georgemickel6608]

5 secs of your singing made me "like" immediately!

[@fredericgaufichon7373]

Great video thank you !

[@edmoss2020]

GREAT SOUND ON THAT MIC SUITS YOUR VOICE , GREAT JOB

[@garrettbuck512]

Thanks Joe. Really appreciate someone being on here to break it down frame by frame for people like me thinking about making an upgrade from stock preamps to external. Do you know anything about the DBX 286S Preamplifier Channel Strip Mic Pre Amp w/ 2x 25'? It's on amazon, and seems to meet a lot of people's expectations or even more. For recording guitar (not bass), would something like the DBX be the way to go, or do you have other recommenations... I'm talking for distorted guitar OR acoustic - I play both.

[@DanielSilva-te1ww]

Great video!

[@Mistubishi.]

Que buena explicación, nunca NADIE me pudo explicar que hacer con los PRE AMP de mi interfaz si es que usaba el un PRE externo! ni siquiera en tiendas!

[@BruceBanner-tn1ug]

Excellent video so glad I found you - you’re a treasure chest

[@valleyken]

Excellent explanation.

[@maxbosoxfan171]

thanks Joe -love yer vids

[@DJJohnnyTapia]

This is good video, great explanation!

[@tonyadams6985]

Well done!

[@fperreault]

Great video as usual Joe! The only thing I would add is that you might very well need an external preamp such as your Eureka, along with your external interface, if you are using a dynamic mic such as a Shure SM7B. Without using one you may find that your external interface has to be cranked so much that you get more background noise than anything or that the interface just doesn't have enough umphh to amplify things to get a usable signal.

[@HomeStudioCorner]

Yup. Great point.

[@spivvo]

Exactly what I was looking for thanks!

[@jimmiefarmer3022]

I recently bought the ART Pro MPA II from Sweetwater because I needed at least two more inputs to record live drums. I have the Focusrite Clarett 4Pre, and fortunately it has line inputs on the back. I am pretty amazed by how good the Pro MPA II sounds for only $300! I ended up tracking all the other parts for my last song through it; I especially liked what it did recording acoustic guitar and vocals.

[@TheRobGuard]

I bought that one too a month ago, havnt tried it yet though. Gonna try it with my singer soon though.

[@Siiproductions]

Super informative vid 👌🏾

[@Vybescube]

Love your explanation.

[@antiHUMANDesigns]

When I started recording at home, in the mid/late 90's, the preamps made a huge difference. The standard preamps on sound cards/interfaces were generally terrible, even on interfaces that cost $1000. I remember buying some preamps, or running it though a mixer bfore entering the sound card, and the difference was unbelievably large. Nowadays, as long as you put nearly $1000 on your interface (for example RME BabyFace Pro, Apogee Duet/Quartet, or UA Apollo), it'll have preamps that'll sound good. It won't be like having an SSL/Neve/API preamp, for example, but it'll be good enough to give you a clean, crisp, full-bodied sound

[@CHARLIEtheCATofficial]

I love this comment!!! Exactly what I used to say to everyone. It's not the soundblaster16 age

[@antiHUMANDesigns]

@@CHARLIEtheCATofficial Indeed!

[@TheVerge7]

Thank you for that... Mad skills dude!

[@WEdHarris]

Excellent and Informative! Thanks so much! Liked and Subbed!

[@netalibaba4138]

GREAT VIDEO. crystal clear!

[@johnchase8510]

Good video Joe! Electrically speaking, a TRS balanced connection is the same as an XLR balanced connection. Mechanically speaking, the XLR is far more robust, and also has a much greater contact surface area per conductor. Whatever gets you there, as long as it works!

[@HomeStudioCorner]

Ahhh...that makes sense. Thanks John!1

[@lifeshapers-integratedheal2266]

Hi Joe, you make brilliant videos. Lots of love and blessing to you beautiful little daughter who shoed up in the video explaining mid tones. Quick background: I am Amit from India, a novice in audio-video, but determined to set up a home studio to be able to 1. record videos to make online courses imparting life-education and 2. conduct webinars / podcasts / skype calls - record and upload them and someday even live-stream them. For audio recording of my spoken words, I like my voice to be bass-filled, full and sounding like a professional artist. I haven't purchased any gears yet but confused at second stage of the signal chain after mic. Signal Chain: Mic > mixer or interface > Software on a windows 10 PC [example 'Camtasia' to record webcam capture + screen capture + my audio capture. ] My confusion: What shall I connect at stage 2 - mixer or interface 1. ZEDi10fx a hybrid mixer with built in audio interface 4 in and 4 out 24 bit/96kbps with 3 band tone controls. or 2. Simply use Focus rite 2i2 3rd generation 24bit / 192kbps which has an AIR function built-in. or 3. use analog mixer with and attach audio interface, but if i select this option the interface will pick up the mixed version and I may not be able to obtain separate tracks which are preferable to edit. I have figure out Zed 10 FX and Zed Sixty 10 FX with mid sweep controls, both have USB but I am not able to figure out how they are different from ZED i series. or 4. use microphone processor like DBX 286s and connect it to Focus rite 2i2 generation 3 with AIR buttton; however, if i select this option, I am not sure If I can avail the benefit of MIX minus which will be required during podcast. Joe please guide.

[@rjb7569]

"Hey, Joe, do I need a preamp?" I thought it was... "Hey, Joe, where ya goin' with that gun in your hand?"

[@zachn12345]

Thanks for the informative video. Can you see any merit to combining an external preamp to a mic activator such as a cloudlifter? Or would this be a little bit over kill? Thanks again.

[@edstal0894]

“Tell them… come talk to me” 😂 I absolutely love the energy! You’re right!